When pelvic actinomycosis mimics cervical neoplasia: A diagnostic challenge.
Julie Marcadet, Salma Ayadi, Pierre-André Mal
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
Two cases of pelvic actinomycosis were reported, both initially misdiagnosed as cervical cancer. The first case involved a 50-year-old woman presenting with pelvic pain and imaging suggestive of advanced cervical neoplasia, but histological analysis confirmed Actinomyces infection, leading to resolution with antibiotics. The second case involved a 76-year-old woman with a cervical mass and PET scan uptake, diagnosed as actinomycotic cervicitis after IUD removal and microbiological confirmation, also improving with antibiotics.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider pelvic actinomycosis in patients with a history of IUD use presenting with symptoms or imaging findings suggestive of cervical malignancy.
Why it matters
Recognizing pelvic actinomycosis can prevent unnecessary radical surgeries and promote appropriate conservative management in affected patients.